Peat swamp forest birds of the Tuanan research station, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, with notes on habitat specialists

Abstract

The avifauna of tropical peat swamp forest has not been well documented, even though it is an extensive habitat in parts of South-East Asia. We conducted surveys using various methods at the Tuanan research station and surrounding areas in Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. These observations resulted in a list of 138 bird species and numerous noteworthy records. Although more depauperate than lowland rainforest on mineral soils, peat swamp forest is an important habitat for many threatened and Near Threatened bird species, especially habitat specialists such as Hook-billed Bulbul Setornis criniger and Grey-breasted Babbler Malacopteron albogulare. We also recorded in selectively logged peat swamp several high-profile, globally threatened species such as Crestless Fireback Lophura erythrophthalma, Storm's Stork, Ciconia stormi, Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus, Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus and Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros corrugatus. In view of its importance to certain species, peat swamp forest should be afforded more protection, especially in light of the recent rapid loss of this habitat to land conversion and forest fires.